Fake Overtime Claims Surface in Harassment Case Against Former Minneapolis Police Sergeant

A Complex Legal Battle Over Allegations of Stalking and Internal Affairs Misconduct

A former Minneapolis police sergeant is facing criminal charges for allegedly stalking and harassing a former romantic partner, who was also a co-worker. However, the accused officer is now fighting back in court, claiming that the allegations are an attempt to shift focus from an ongoing investigation into the woman’s alleged misconduct.

Sergeant Gordon Blackey was part of the security detail for Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey until May 2024. Four months before being charged with two misdemeanors, he was accused of using a device to track the woman’s vehicle and engaging in harassment. The woman, who was also an MPD sergeant, had worked alongside Blackey for over 27 years before leaving the department in January.

According to the charging documents filed in Anoka County District Court, Blackey and the woman had a brief romantic relationship approximately one year before she discovered an Apple AirTag on her vehicle in March 2024. Blackey admitted to investigators that he used AirTags to track her movements and accessed personal information about her through a state database available to police officers. He is now facing charges for improperly accessing her data.

Blackey’s attorney, Peter Johnson, has challenged the accuracy of the charging documents, alleging that prosecutors made “blatant material misrepresentations.” One of the key points of contention is the claim that their relationship was brief. Johnson argues that the two continued their close relationship for more than a month before the woman reported the incident to authorities.

Johnson claims that the harassment law should not be used to criminalize “rocky relationships,” where individuals may have conflicting feelings. He further argues that the woman was facing a serious Internal Affairs investigation and potential termination due to her own misconduct. According to Johnson, she expressed genuine fears about losing her job in text messages with Blackey.

The lawyer suggests that the woman came forward with the allegations as a way to divert attention from her own issues. She continues to work for the Minneapolis Police Department, and the Star Tribune has chosen not to identify her due to her status as an alleged victim. She declined to comment, citing department policy.

Johnson has requested that the judge order the release of records related to the woman’s Internal Affairs investigation and false overtime claims. He argues that this information could serve as impeachment evidence, highlighting her dishonesty and possible bias in the case. However, prosecutors have opposed the request, calling it a “fishing expedition” and emphasizing the need to protect confidential medical and psychological information.

The legal battle has also raised questions about the use of the complaint process within the Minneapolis Police Department. Chief Brian O’Hara has previously criticized the system, describing it as “ridiculous” and noting a history of individuals weaponizing complaints against others.

Johnson claims that the woman has a history of forced transfers and assignments, which could demonstrate the instability of her employment. He also wants to obtain records of retaliatory Internal Affairs complaints she has made against other officers, suggesting that she has used similar tactics to deflect from her own misconduct.

During the trial, Johnson plans to present evidence showing that the woman submitted false overtime claims between November 2023 and March 2024. He claims that Blackey confronted her about these discrepancies, leading to a heated argument. Afterward, she reportedly sent him a text message warning him not to threaten her again. Johnson says this reference to “dirt” on her was a direct result of their conversation.

Blackey’s defense will include text messages, handwritten notes, and cell phone records to prove that the woman falsely claimed overtime for work on the mayor’s security detail. For instance, he claims she was at the Mall of America but still submitted a four-hour overtime claim.

Originally scheduled for trial in September, the case has been delayed after the presiding judge recused herself due to a conflict with her chambers. This delay could impact the timeline of the proceedings.

Liz Sawyer of the Minnesota Star Tribune contributed to this report.